Review: Balblair 1991 Vintage

Balblair, 1991 Vintage, 43%, $130
Here’s the older sibling to the 1997 vintage released in U.S. at the same time. It costs twice as much as the 1997 vintage, and guess what? I like the less expensive, 1997 vintage better (because of its lovely balance and creamy texture). Still, this 1991 vintage is a nice whisky, rich with vanilla, coconut cream, citrus (orange, tangerine), pineapple, and sultana. A soothing, mouth-coating texture lingers, with some polished oak on the finish.

I think the current trend in the industry is that younger whiskies are getting better and better. The combination of the price of those being a bit lower (usually) makes for a welcome change.

The Scotch industry has been hammering on age statements for too long. Now finally ‘everybody’ believes them and wants whiskies at high ages, and all of a sudden their stocks run out and you get more and more young whiskies and NAS whiskies.

In my opinion the 16yo OB was a solid dram overall, and a very decent value. It’s a mellow / soothing malt with subtle sweetness and more than a hint of spice. I ended up buying two of these bottles within a three year span, and neither lasted long in my cabinet.